The stage sensation begins a nearly five-month run at the Pantages.

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"Hamilton" begins previews at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood on Friday, Aug. 11.

"Hamilton" opens: Few works, be they on the screen, on the page, or on the stage, have as positively impacted the modern era like Lin-Manuel Miranda's idea-rich, history-minded, multi-layered musical about Founding Father Alexander Hamilton. A sold-out Broadway run, sensational sales for the original Broadway cast recording, devoted fans found around the world and far beyond the show's New York City (and then Chicago) base, and emotional tributes galore make it the must-see of not just this season but, truly, of this moment in time. Didn't yet get your ticket? There's a daily $10 lottery. Find your way to the Pantages Theatre, in Hollywood, through Saturday, Dec. 30, before the much-anticipated tour is back on the road.

Clear the Shelters Pre-Events: Hoping to welcome a new furry family member soon? Make for The Grove on Saturday, Aug. 12, where LA Animal Services will be standing by with a number of cats and dogs, or Citadel Outlets on Sunday, Aug. 13. LA County Animal Care will call upon the shopping center, also with adoptable cats and dogs. "NBC4 and Telemundo's Clear the Shelters," which is set for Saturday, Aug. 19, "...aims to raise awareness about the benefits of pet adoption and reduce the animal population at local shelters."

CicLAvia: It might be a stretch to say that temperatures have cooled down, though they have a bit, at least from where they were a couple of weeks back. The upshot? This is ideal bike-riding weather, and if you get to do just that, in the middle of a large street, with no cars involved? The pedal-sweet joy is amp'd even further. The 7-mile stretch of the latest edition of this popular cycle event wends from San Pedro to Wilmington — or the other way, if you prefer — and a host of community groups, interesting booths, food trucks, and local businesses will add liveliness to the day. And that day? It's Sunday, Aug. 13.

CatCon: Prepare to don those sparkly cat ears and pad your little paws for the Pasadena Convention Center for two days of feline-related Q&As, panels on catly topics, a Meet & Greet with Julie Newmar (Catwoman on "Batman"!), kitten-cute cameos by Instagram stars (including the beloved Lil BUB), and a host of vendors providing those who live with and love cats a caboodle of items to purchase. Kiss your own furry babe goodbye and slink for the Crown City on Saturday, Aug. 12 and Sunday, Aug. 13.

Festival of Arts — Fashion Fun + Free: Laguna Beach's summertime fun always involves a stop at the long-running, painting-filled, sculpture-wonderful Festival of Arts, one of the stalwarts on the culture calendar. Two major happenings are ahead for the event, including a funky fashion show featuring clothing made from recycled goods (that's on Saturday, Aug. 12) and a free-admission day to celebrate the festival's 85th anniversary (that rolls on Sunday, Aug. 13). It's big, colorful, and oh-so-Laguna-Beach-y.

NKLA Kitten Shower: If you've attended a baby shower, you know some of the hallmarks and traditions to expect. You might play a game, or eat some cake, or socialize, or all of the above. This sweet feline fundraiser, which meows at the NKLA Pet Adoption Center on Sunday, Aug. 13, won't boast those usual to-dos, but it will help area rescue groups with the stuff they need most. Want to swing by with a donation of food, blankets, or something else from the Amazon wish list? Clean your whiskers, swish your tail, then get all the needed information.